Ocean Gala deck plans

MV Island Escape (built in 1982, last refurbished in 2016, scrapped in 2018 as “MV Ocean Gala”) was considered one of the most distinctive vessels among Thomson/Marella UK ships. The shipowner was the UK’s largest tour operator, Thomson Holidays, operating under the “Thomson Cruises” brand (now “Marella Cruises”). Thomson operated the vessel through its “Island Cruises” division. Under her final name, Ocean Gala, the ship was used as a floating hotel by her last owner, “Cruise Holdings Inc”.

The vessel featured a unique design as a former cruiseferry, originally constructed for DFDS Seaways under the name “MS Scandinavia”.

Island Escape cruise ship deck plans showed a total of 768 staterooms for 1,536 passengers (maximum capacity 1,740), served by 540 crew and staff. The ship had nine passenger-accessible decks, three restaurants, ten lounges and bars (including one pub), one swimming pool (no whirlpools), and five elevators.

There were no self-service laundry facilities (passenger-use laundrettes). Laundry and dry-cleaning services were available onboard for a nominal fee.

Island Escape’s deck plan modifications following the 2011 drydock refit and refurbishment included:

All furniture in outside deck areas was replaced.

A coffee shop (Cafe Brasil) was added on Flamingo Deck 8.

All public rooms received new blinds, curtains, and carpeting.

Passenger cabins were extensively refurbished with new bedding sets, cushions, valances, and curtains.

The Reception Desk, Lobby entrance, and alleyways were redecorated, including the installation of new wall paneling.